Quentin was 4 when he moved to California in 1967. It should be fairly obvious that the Manson Murders a year later would greatly influence him as a child. That little bit of insight gives greater meaning to the subject matter and title he chose for this film; "Once upon a Time . . .in Hollywood". It's a FAIRY TALE. . . that much is obvious. I believe that Tarantino (the man's) film fantasy exists simply because kid Quentin's thoughts were troubled so long ago when these murders collided with the film world he loved so much. And still does. Only a guess. Since then all of us Daydream or have sought that one (non existent) comforting thought that could ease the pain and frustration the "Family" caused so many. Restoring what was stolen from Ciello Drive, (and then the world) that night isn't a possibility. In THIS reality, anyway. Fortunately, QT straddles two worlds, this technical latticework and the other one of fantasy. The latter enables this film (so like a jack in the box overstuffed with murders), to both horrify all while still passing easily for the labor of love it obviously is-For Hollywood as well as the victims.
People will still gripe because it's not "Transformers 16" And it's obviously not for the kiddies (nor for the biddies). This film will be loved most by those who've known loss by name, or those still angry and perplexed by the cruelty shown that summer. The director can make the theater loud with violence, but I still insist this is a fairytale despite your eyes widening instead of closing.
The REAL world is filled with bare and dirty feet. THIS one is brimming with glass slippers.
Only Quentin, could make a Prince Charming confident with a flame thrower. . . and not much else. And the Knight in the Shining Trailer? Who may or may not have his wife's blood on his hands? That makes him THE PERFECT wall for a pack of wolves to run into headfirst at night. On the trails that cut through the helter-skelter, the wild Beasts are saddling the tame beasts and then teaching others how to ride them. Beauty doesn't sleep unless she wants to, and anyone who asks for her heart in a box will get mauled by a dragon named Brandey instead ("Good food for mean dogs"). Nothing "witchy" will be allowed and the Devils business will be left undone. In THIS world where Rumplestilkson's charred trolls are found bobbing in a swimming pool, missions failed. Depriving their Leader of his bloody wants and leaving him to tantrum in the hayloft of a forgotten stable. Thats a GREAT world compared to what we inherited once the trial was over and the hoofbeats faded so many Oscars ago.
The once tangible is now dust (that goes for Charlie AND our klutz) and for so many decades citizens have played "what if" and "If I was there It wouldn't have happened" . . .but truthfully we can't change ANYTHING, and short of a DeLorean, this thoughtful bit of movie magic is our best bet for rewriting history. I choose Quentins version.
Review of Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
